Burma name Change

The military dictatorship changed the name. Junta with a different name. SLORC also changed the name of the country from Burma to Myanmar after the name of the ruling party.

Change of Burma name signalizes symbolical displacement through Australia

Mr Carr made a token act of appreciation for Burma's policy reform and named the nation "Myanmar" on the evening before a trip. For a long time, the old name, which was taken over by the former army junta back in the early days, was a downer, and democracies advocate the use of "Burma".

Foreign Minister made a declaration this mornin' in which he announced a three-day trip "to see what more Australia as a neighboring state can do to help Myanmar's reforms". "Myanmar is going through a period of historical change and Australia is greatly reassured by the transition," said Senator Carr. "There is now a better opportunity for sustainable democracy reforms in Myanmar than there has been for over half a centurys.

"It is important that the West, Australia included, continues to be supportive of Myanmar's reforms." Myanmar's use of the name contrasts with Mr Carr's forerunner, Kevin Rudd, who made a declaration on 24 June last year: "Secretary of State visits Burma." Burma's deployment did not resume until January, when Australia signalled an alleviation of fiscal penalties against the state.

However, Mr Rudd had indicated that Australia was prepared to accept the formal name change in February, a step he described as "highly controversial" and had previously fought against protesting against the dictatorial regimes. In April, Senator Carr had also said that he would consult if he were asked about the census. One spokesperson said that the two were being used in an interchangeable manner and that Senator Carr's testimony was not the first that Myanmar was being used in a newscast.

In general, Australia had used "Myanmar" in personal correspondance, but "Burma" in open expressions about the state. Myanmar's last mention in the headline of a news item was the announcement of a 1997 announcement of a mission to the state, according to a parliamentary secretary's quest, Parlinfo. In 2000, a later liberation of the then Secretary of State Alexander Downer related to "Burma (Myanmar)".

Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratic party chief, issued a warning this week-end against "ruthless optimism" regarding Burma's economic upheaval. It is foreseen that Senator Carr will meet with Ms Suu Kyi and representatives of the state. In Rangoon, he is due to announce a subsidy to promote Rangoon's rich culture in a place where a Buddha school, a Catholic chapel and a Moslem religious shrine are at a watershed.